Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.

6 months (or so) later: Lakeland developments

What’s new and coming soon to Lakeland

The sun sets over a green field and a dog wearing a leash and bandana lays in the grass.

Leashed pups are always welcome at Bonnet Springs Park. | Photo by LALtoday

As new attractions, restaurants, and stores pop up around Swan City, we’re wondering how they’ve settled into your routines. Have you become a regular at a new coffee shop? Does your dinner table feature new staples? Let us know how life has (or hasn’t) changed in the last six months following the openings of these six developments:

Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | Opened Oct. 2022 | Swan City’s largest public park, featuring an event venue, aerial walking path, and 2-acre lawn, is the perfect spot for picnics, bike rides, and more. Check out the event calendar — we’re eyeing the pet-friendly movie on the lawn this Saturday.

Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd. | Opened Nov. 2022 | This 47,000-sqft children’s museum is already gearing up for summer camp. Did you know that FCM members get perks around town?

Exterior facade and signage at bodega Market in downtown Lakeland — Grab your necessities at bodega Market.
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Photo by LALtoday

bodega Market, 106 N. Tennessee Ave. | Opened Feb. 2023 | Residents of downtown Lakeland can now grab staples and food from the deli counter at this locally owned market. Fun fact: It’s owned by the same family who owns Divicious Deli next door.

Unfiltered Lakeland, 801 E. Main St. | Opened Feb. 2023 | This coffee shop, artisan market, and event space houses other small businesses in standalone spaces. Fun fact: Unfiltered’s beignets are made from vegan dough.

Hands holding bowls of food in front of a line of customers and pink menu signs behind the counter. — It doesn’t get fresher than this.
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Photo by LALtoday

Fresh Kitchen, 4520 S. Florida Ave. | Opened April 2023 | Grab-and-go chef-inspired meals known for being free of gluten, antibiotics, and processed sugar, have made quite a splash in Lakeland — check out our go-to orders here.

ALDI, 4532 S. Florida Ave. | Opened Feb. 2023 | Pro tip: Expedite your checkout at one of the self-checkout kiosks if you’re just grabbing a few things.

Answer the poll below to share your thoughts on these additions to Lakeland’s business and recreation scene.

Asked

How often do you go to Bonnet Springs Park?

A. At least once per week
B. 2-3 times per month
C. Occasionally for special events
D. I don’t go

Tell us how you use all 6 developments

Events

Friday, May 19

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels | Friday, May 19 | 6:30 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland | $7-$10 | Cheer on the Flying Tigers over the Mighty Mussels and take part in a t-shirt giveaway.
Spring Pop-Up Series: Dominick’s | Friday, May 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Don’t miss lunch on the Catapult patio with meatball pocket subs, chicken parm sandwiches, and more Italian fare.*

Saturday, May 20

Jude Coffee Pop-Up | Saturday, May 20 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Curated Collective, 401 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Price of purchase | Order your favorite Jude Coffee beverage and shop vintage finds at The Curated Collective.
Movie on the Lawn | Saturday, May 20 | 7-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy a pet-friendly happy hour, enter your dog in a costume contest, and watch an outdoor showing of “DC League of Super-Pets.”

Sunday, May 21

Buena Brunch Market | Sunday, May 21 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Gospel Village, 1109 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Celebrate the expansion of Gospel Village with a market featuring artisan vendors, food, and music.
New Art! — Beachy Twilight Moon | Sunday, May 21 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Bring your friends to paint this new seaside artwork together with step-by-step instruction.

Monday, May 22

Yoga for Beginners | Monday, May 22 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
BINGO! | Monday, May 22 | 6:30 p.m. | The Links of Sandpiper, 6001 Sandpipers Dr., Lakeland | Free | Head to Sandpiper Golf and Country Club to try your hand at this classic game every Monday.

Tuesday, May 23

Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, May 23 | 10-11 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | Free | Junior ACEs ages 2-5 can hear a story and take part in an interactive learning experience.
Lake Gibson Village Silent Auction | Tuesday, May 23 | 3-5 p.m. | Lake Gibson Village, 771 Carpenters Way, Lakeland | Free entry | Bid on items to support the Alzheimer’s Association at this silent auction.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Number

$15.8 million. That’s Polk’s budget for behavioral health and mental wellness for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, up 117% from last year. Residents in need of health care can learn more about the Polk HealthCare Plan online. (Bay News 9)

Development

Options for Women is building a new, 5,240-sqft clinic at 4504 S. Florida Ave. Options for Women began providing services — including free pregnancy testing and early ultrasounds — in 1998. In addition to the new clinic, the organization has two other Lakeland locations and one in Bartow. (The Ledger)

Edu

Starting June 26, Amazon workers participating in Amazon’s Career Choice program can begin earning their accounting, business, and communication degrees at Amazon’s newest education partner: Florida Southern College. The flexible, seven-week terms and covered tuition and fees allow students to pursue their educational dreams at FSC.

Traffic

An existing stormwater pollution control device at Lake Hollingsworth Drive and Palmola Street will be worked on by city crews starting Tuesday, June 6. The $57,000 will take one week — roads will remain open, but traffic control will be on-site as equipment and vehicles will occasionally obstruct the walking path.

Civic

Interested in being an election worker? Attend an informational meeting today at Lake Mirror Auditorium (121 S. Lake Ave.) from 10-11 a.m. to learn about temporary paid positions. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot. Pro tip: Bring your valid Florida ID or Social Security card for payroll purposes.
Yes, we will still “fall back” for daylight saving time this November. While the proposed Sunshine Protection Act has yet to gain traction, two states (Arizona and Hawaii) already opt out of the 1918 practice. (The Ledger)

Show

Live music, films, and comedy — that’s what’s in store this summer at Winter Haven’s historic Ritz Theatre. Check out the online calendar to make your plans. (The Ledger)

Family

Peppa Pig Theme Park at Legoland Florida is launching a character breakfast experience (read: Meet your favorite character and snap a selfie while you dine) on June 9. The $34.99-$44.99 experience will run on Fridays + Saturdays for a limited time. View the menu and book online. (Bay News 9)

Weather

The first seven-day tropical weather outlook has been released by the National Hurricane Center. While there don’t appear to be any storms this week, the organization hopes that this new seven-day forecast will give citizens more time to prepare for upcoming storms, like last year’s Hurricane Ian. (Fox 13 News)

Eat

If you were one of the readers who wished for German cuisine following our article last week, allow us to introduce you to Herby’s Kitchen. The 2844 Lakeland Highlands Rd. eatery now offers diner classics and German fare — try the German beef goulash or German schnitzel.
Love wine? Yeah, so do we. Experience the best wine + cheese pairings at Publix Aprons Cooking School’s Wine and Dine: American-Made Cheeses demonstration-style cooking class on Saturday, May 27. Chefs will highlight craft cheeses in curated dishes, each paired with expertly-picked wines. Learn more + register.*

Lakelander

Meet Hunter Abramson. He is the co-founder of Relic Tickets, a Lakeland business that utilizes blockchain technology to eliminate ticket fraud. Hunter got his start at Catapult — like so many Lakeland entrepreneurs. Find out how Catapult can help you launch your business idea.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Unlock your home equity.*

Shop

Quick, who’s the next person you’ll buy a gift for? We’ve got 25 gift ideas that will spark joy + are perfect for every budget. One of our favorites? A heated back and neck massager to relieve pressure and tension.

Community

🌈 Loud and proud

Polk Pride is back: Here’s the 2025 event roundup

People attend a Polk Pride event with a rainbow Polk Pride FL banner in the background

There’s plenty to be proud of in Polk. | Photo by Polk Pride FL

Polk Pride — an event with the Lakeland Youth Alliance, a nonprofit organization that provides support for LGBTQ+ youth — is back. From June 10-17, Polk will be celebrating with these events:

Pride on Tap | Saturday, June 10 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Join in on raffles and auction items to benefit Polk Pride
Pride in Faith | Thursday, June 15 | 7 p.m. | Beacon Hill Fellowship, 220 W. Beacon Rd., Lakeland | Free | All faiths are welcome at this service hosted by faith partners who stand in support of Pride.
Pride in the Park | Saturday, June 17 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Munn Park | Free entry | The whole family is welcome at this festival with live entertainment, food trucks, and vendors.

How to get involved
Donations to the Youth Alliance help provide life-saving support to LGBTQ+ youth in our community.

3 more events

Shoutout

Happy birthday, LALtoday member Doug Yeager. We hope your special day is filled with all of your favorite things in Lakeland! — LALtoday team

Your voice is valuable, and so are the special moments in your life. Shoutouts allow us to celebrate job promotions, anniversaries, and exciting experiences right here in Lakeland.

Become a LALtoday member today to reserve your shoutout and celebrate with tens of thousands of locals.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Rilee

From the editor

What are your thoughts on our bi-annual changing of the clocks? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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